Perhaps one of the most humanizing aspects of life becomes clear when a woman turns into a mother. This stage of life is often seen as glorious as it is a direct reflection of divine creative power. Since 2021, the fertility rate across the United States has increased slightly each year.
According to UNICEF, over 3.6 million babies were born in the US in 2023. The numbers may slightly increase this year. Being a mother is among life’s greatest joys but it also brings with it certain challenges.
A new mom needs to juggle too many tasks, including baby feeding, monitoring, soothing, grooming, and whatnot. They also need to give their bodies time and room to heal from childbirth. In this article, we will share five actionable infant care tips for busy moms.
Prepare for the Day Ahead
If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail by default. Nowhere is this statement truer than in the case of infant care. We understand that days can be hectic and chaotic with a baby, including a combination of morning feeds, daycare drop-offs, and whatnot.
Sometimes, it is natural to feel burnt out even before the day has properly started. According to the Harvard Business Review (HBR), burnout is serious because it can lead to issues like disengagement, poor decision-making, and increased mistakes. Your personal life may start leaking into your professional duties.
The best way to balance both is to prepare for the day with a fixed morning routine. This will reduce some of the mental load and prepare you to face the day ahead. You will be able to make any necessary modifications to the routine based on that day’s plans. Here are three handy tips to build your morning routine -
- Wake up before your child if that is possible. This will allow you sufficient time to think your day through and plan accordingly. If you’ve slept late, consider asking your partner to help plan the routine for the next day.
- Indulge in a bit of self-care immediately after you wake up. Many new mothers leave self-care rituals on the shelf, planning to tackle them at the end of the day. Sadly, they seldom find the time or energy later. Practicing self-care like journaling, exercising, or meditation first thing in the morning can rejuvenate you, boost your mood, and help you face the day.
- List down all important chores for the day that comes to mind. Find time slots to streamline each with some wiggle room for any interruptions or deviations.
Streamline Bath Time
Ideally, infants do not require prolonged bath times. This is because their body loses heat quickly and bath time longer than 10 minutes can dry out their skin. However, given the extra attention and care needed to ensure the baby’s comfort and safety, it can be an overall long process.
Be it only for two or three times a week, your baby will appreciate a streamlined fixed bath routine. It will help them relax, promote better sleep, establish a sense of security, and keep them safe against infections.
One way to streamline your infant’s bath time is to keep all the required essentials handy. This includes a new set of clothes, diapers, bathing essentials, and after-bath products. Since we are discussing care and safety tips, it’s important to mention the need for non-toxic baby products.
We’ll share a few examples, perhaps the most common of these will be after-bath rash powder. For decades, one name in this area that has dominated the baby care industry is Johnson & Johnson. Mothers have been using their baby talc powder to keep their infant’s skin dry, rash-free, and soft.
The powder comes in a classic white bottle with an unmistakably mild scent. Over the years, there have been allegations against the manufacturer that the talc in the powder causes conditions like mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. This is due to asbestos contamination, leading thousands of people to file the talcum powder lawsuit.
According to TorHoerman Law, the company has already been ordered to pay billions in settlements. Seeing how grave the issue is, discerning moms are opting for non-toxic baby powders made using oats or cornstarch. The same law holds for baby towels and toys.
Synthetic fibers like polyester and rayon contain toxic chemicals used during fabric treatment. Similarly, plastic bath toys may have dangerous toxins like phthalates and BPA. Opt for towels made of organic cotton and toys manufactured of durable wood, silicone, or bamboo.
Simplify Meal Planning
Feeding your baby may seem straightforward in the sense that infants do not require different delicacies. A mother’s body can manufacture milk based on the baby’s current bodily needs. However, you need to fuel the rest of the members (including yourself) with nutritious meals at least three times a day.
Mothers with toddlers or preschoolers must plan healthy meals for the developing child. Preparing each meal separately in the evenings can indeed get tiring pretty quickly. Thankfully, you can simplify meal times with a little planning and preparation. Listed below are a few strategies to help -
- If you find it challenging to prepare each meal from scratch or you’re an inexperienced cook, discover your family’s staple meals. Cooking, just like any other skill, gets better and easier with practice. Around four to five easy, tasty, and healthy recipes to rotate can take the pressure off of your evenings. Some simple recipes include veggie stir-fries, pasta, tofu or chicken salads, and overnight oats.
- If your week is always super busy and you’re often in a time crunch, utilize the weekends for meal prepping. Chop the required veggies, organize your pantry, and get things ready for the upcoming week.
- Another way to simplify meal planning is to use innovative kitchen gadgets. Examples would include a garlic crusher, food processor, hand blender, and so on.
- Some busy moms even participate in batch cooking to enjoy healthy and tasty meals with minimal effort. This process involves cooking meals in large quantities and freezing them for later use.
Make the Most of Nap Time
Infants require naps during the day. As per the Mayo Clinic, babies tend to take a nap at least twice a day between four months to a year. It takes some time for infants to develop their unique sleep schedule.
As you understand your baby’s schedule, you will also know when to put them to sleep. This time can be used strategically for yourself. You can also enjoy a nap or spend time on your hobbies or passion projects. Some days, use your baby’s nap hours to have quality time with your partner.
These are also forms of self-care that should not be ignored. Childbearing and giving birth are challenging enough, but much more is parenting on a busy schedule. If the need arises, schedule outdoor dates as your baby naps by placing them under the care of a trusted family member or nanny.
Communicate With Your Partner and Loved Ones
Resentment often breeds in an environment where communication does not thrive. When it comes to parenting, it’s important to delegate responsibilities evenly and check in with each other frequently. This will help both of you feel supported, prevent burnout, and protect your relationships.
Are your parenting responsibilities affecting your close relationships, especially with your spouse? Follow these steps to reverse the damage -
- Prioritize by splitting your week’s tasks into essential and non-essential categories. Squeeze in some friends and family you can visit during the week. Willing loved ones can take care of non-essential tasks in the meantime.
- Practice some new time-management techniques in the form of calendars and to-do lists with reminders. They may seem boring but will help you stay on track while also having some fun.
- On days when you’re really struggling to hold everything up, reach out to your loved ones and be transparent. Many would be more than willing to help and you may even be surprised at your support network. This will also strengthen familial and friendship bonds.
Besides applying these tips, keep in mind that you will have tough days and weak moments. It’s perfectly alright to not have it all together because you need not do it alone. Reach out for support from your partner, extended family, and friends. Prioritize yourself because that’s the only way to meet the demands of your growing baby.
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